The 22-year-old Suffolk fast bowler had progressed through the youth academy at Essex and became a regular member of the England Lions squad.

His pace has seen Mills tipped for an exciting future in the game and he shadowed the England senior squad during their disastrous Ashes defeat in Australia last winter, before touring Sri Lanka with the Lions.

Mills played 12 games for Essex in 2014 but played just one game since late July because of a back injury, in which he retired hurt.

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: “We are of course disappointed that Tymal has decided to leave the club, especially as he is one of our own from the Essex Academy.

“There was an attractive new contract offer on the table for him but he has decided to reject and continue his career with a new club.”

England used Mills to try and prepare for Australia star Mitchell Johnson in the nets, due to his similar left-arm fast bowling but he was unable to take his career on to the next level this season.

Mills has not yet revealed if he has a new club lined up but added: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Essex CCC.

“I want to thank the club for giving me my introduction into professional cricket and in particular to John Childs, for my time spent on the Academy, and then Chris Silverwood, who has helped me no end since turning professional.

“I am excited for the next chapter in my career and wish the club all the best moving forward.”